Prepare for an Inspection

Purpose & Responsibilities
The information provided on this page outlines code deficiencies often found in businesses throughout the city. It is the responsibility of the business owner/property owner to maintain a safe environment for employees and the public. This list does not cover all code requirements and is provided as a guide to identify most commonly found hazards. Some of the items may not apply to your facility.

Being Prepared
The best way to prepare for a Fire and Life Safety Inspection is to maintain a safe and code compliant building/property at all times.

Business Safety Checklist
Exterior Premises
  • Access - maintained (debris, snow and any other items kept clear from all fire department access doors as well as all exit doors)
  • Address - identifiable and maintained to Indiana Fire Code requirements
  • Housekeeping - storage kept orderly
  • Hydrants - 3 feet clearance around
Egress
  • Combustible storage - prohibited near exits, exit enclosures, or under stairways
  • Illuminated - means of egress must be illuminated when building is occupied
  • Recognizable - exit signs (illuminated with back-up power source)
  • Unlocked - all exit doors shall be unlocked during business hours, always providing ways to get out
  • Unobstructed - nothing in exit pathways obstructing required exit width
Electrical
  • Circuit Breaker Panel Boxes - labeled breakers, proper access in front of (30 inch width by 36 inch depth)
  • Electric Motors - maintained and clean
  • Electrical/Mechanical Room Housekeeping - no combustible storage allowed
  • Extension cords - plugged into outlet or power tap directly, not piggybacked, proper size, not used as substitute for permanent wiring, serves only 1 portable appliance, listed for intended use
  • Power Taps (Power Strips) - shall be listed, directly plugged into permanently installed receptacle, not piggybacked
Fire Extinguisher
  • Proper extinguishers - type and size for the hazard
  • Proper locations - near exit doors where possible, not exceeding maximum travel distance, properly mounted (maximum 5 feet high if less than 40 pounds, maximum  3 ½ feet if more than 40 pounds. In all cases, minimum 4 inches above ground)
  • Proper maintenance - annual service required, 6-year service collar on extinguishers requiring a 12-year hydrostatic test, monthly "quick check"
  • Training - "PASS"
Fire/Smoke Separations
  • Properly maintained - self closing fire rated doors not propped open, smoke and fire doors able to fully close upon activation
Flammable Storage
Liquid storage indoors - less than 10 gallons must be stored in liquid storage cabinet(s)

Heat Sources
  • Ignition sources - prohibited near fumes, clearance to combustibles to be maintained
  • Portable Heaters - tip over and high temperature limiting features required and 3 foot clearance to combustibles
Combustible Materials/Storage
  • Combustible indoor storage - to be orderly, 2 feet from ceiling (no sprinklers), 18 inches or more below sprinkler heads
  • Combustible outdoor storage - dumpsters minimum 5 feet from combustible walls, doors or windows
  • Decorations - to be nonflammable or treated flame resistant
  • Compressed gas cylinders - properly secured
Fire Protection/Detection Maintenance
  • Alarm system - annual service
  • Kitchen hood suppression system - 6 months service
  • Sprinkler system - annual service
  • Standpipe systems
Special Occupancy Requirements
  • Consult Fire Department